LLOYD, Philip

Philip Lloyd was the son of Philip and Agnes Lloyd of 4 The Cliff, Stourbridge, and had worked before 1914 at Turney's leather works. He volunteered for the Worcester Territorials at the outbreak of war and joined C Company in the 1/7th Battalion in the 48th Division. The battalion had been in France since March 1915 and was very actively involved in the 1916 battle of the Somme. It had been involved in the capture of Ovillers in the middle of July and then in the battle for the Transloy Ridges in October. In the Spring of 1917 they were part of the forces following up the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. After several skirmishes with the enemy the 48th Division was asked to capture Gillemont Farm, a stronghold on a prominent spur near the Line. On the 24th April the 1/8th managed to seize the position but suffered in the inevitable German counter attack. The next day the 1/7th were asked to take over and succeeded, but also at great cost, in beating off the enemy. They suffered about 150 casualties and among those killed was Private Philip Lloyd. He was 20 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval, Stourbridge, St. John's church and St. John's school Memorials. His brother, William, also enlisted in the Worcesters and died on the 29th July 1915.